Overview
- Coles is due to publish its 2025/26 full-year results for the 52 weeks to June 28 ahead of Woolworths, with markets focused on group profit and sales trends.
- Analysts expect an adjusted net profit near $2.2 billion and underlying earnings around $4.2 billion, and those forecasts will be framed as estimates rather than company-confirmed figures.
- Rising petrol costs, three interest-rate hikes and weak consumer confidence have been cited as headwinds that squeezed sales and pressured margins across Coles' operations.
- Woolworths has recorded stronger comparable-sales growth and its shares have outperformed Coles, while Coles' Liquorland business has been a drag with sales down about 3.2 percent in the first half.
- Investors have treated supermarkets as defensive assets this year, and the results could influence margin moves, supplier price negotiations and the prices shoppers pay at the checkout.